2024 Vapor
2024 Vapor, the culmination of all the skis we’ve created to date. Every time we build a new ski, we learn something; defining what bevel shape is best and which rocker line is most balanced is now rooted in our DNA. As we approached this new ski we reflected upon things in our past and learned from what we’ve tried before. The result is a ski that finishes the turn with more angle and speed than its predecessor and sweeps away from the wake with ease. By sharpening the bevel in the front half of the ski we created a ski that’s more intuitive as it enters the turn; this combined with narrowing the tail of the ski creates sustainable angle that can be carried from the finish of the turn through centerline. The balance you feel over your feet is a direct result of the rocker built into the shape of the ski. Our new rocker line flattens fore and aft of the wide spot providing a larger platform. This places you over the front foot with ease, making tighter, more consistent turns. Fundamentally, the lower rocker line dramatically improves feedback from the ski and leads to a more natural and intuitive feeling ride. The way this ski flows from turn to turn with the speed only a Vapor is known for will have you running more buoys than ever before. Ski it for yourself.
Shape
The first thing we addressed on the shape of the ski was the width profile, while keeping the max width of the ski the same; we added more radius to the profile to provide more pivot and rotational pull through the turn. We also added width behind the wide point to keep the ski more level and stable in the turn. This provides the ski with built in tip pressure and reduces the need to “climb” over the ski to make a turn. The ski is now able to move under the line at a quicker rate with a more natural feel. By reducing volume in the tail of the ski we were able to create more leverage that enables the whole ski to move better as a single unit through the turn. This results in attainable angle that can be carried all the way through the finish of the turn. The last adjustment in shape was the narrowing of the tip. This combined with our new rocker line enables more bevel contact resulting in a secure feeling that lets you stand over the ski with confidence to rip turns knowing that the ski will move with you from apex to center line.
Rocker
By increasing the taper of the rocker line fore and aft of the flat spot we enlarged the sweet spot of the ski even more. The flatter the rocker is underneath your feet the more improved feel and connection you have with your ski. This allows you to move yourself and the ski better as a single unit. A bigger platform also gives you the ability to be more reactive and dynamic with your movements, ultimately giving you the control to move in and out of the turn with power. The lower rocker in the front half of the ski gives a truly unique feeling. By being flatter to the water you’re able to move over the ski with more confidence knowing that there is more contact, and support built into the ski. As you move over your feet the bevel is engaged and tighter, more consistent turns bring you back under the rope and cross course to the next buoy.
Concave
We have been extremely happy with the concave we created in the last shape. The deeper concave with a steeper entry gives the speed and side to side drive a Vapor is known for having. Speed is only good if you can control it, and this concave also provides grip that allows the ski to naturally slow down as it enters the turn. This ultimately enables the ski to carry a more constant speed through the turn which improves your cadence and rhythm with the boat.
Bevels
Sharpening the bevel from your feet forward has given the new Vapor more grip and control than any ski we’ve created to date. This helps the ski decelerate so it can make tighter, more up course turns. It’s important to note that these tighter turns are attainable due to the bevel transition built into the tail of the ski. By softening this bevel behind your feet, the ski can stay more balanced so that angle and drive are able to be maintained from the apex of the turn through centerline.
Thickness
Sidewall height carries constant to provide balance. To keep the ski nimble the sidewall thickness is reduced which also produces the connected, tight turning radius of the ski.
Edge Angle
The Vapor width allows the ski to achieve maximum edge angle both in the turn and while cutting. This width sets the precedent in our line as the pinnacle of performance both in the course and while free skiing.
2024 Vapor